The Baker Destroyer was designed to supplement and eventually replace the older Larson class Destroyer which had nearly reached the end of its useful lifespan. Armed with six phasers and two early photon torpedoes (as that is all that could be put onto such a small hull!), the Baker Destroyer was more than able to take on light enemy combatants and effectively escort larger cruisers such as the Constitution Cruiser.

Despite the positive aspects of the Baker Destroyer, its frail construction made it easy to destroy should a determined opponent overwhelm her shields. A lack of speed, too, left the Baker unable to keep up with her escorts in some situations. Nonetheless the Baker Destroyer was a very popular warship within the Federation and continued to be used into the 24th Century. The ship was eventually replaced by other more powerful ships, and the need for a destroyer class eventually waned with the saturation of Excelsior Cruisers.